Eastern Township borders on Hamilton and lies south of Northern. It took its name from the 
     name of a postoffice that was early established in that locality. Thomas Thompson was perhaps the 
     earliest settler, location on Middle Fork, and was the father-in-law of Braxton Parrish - the famous 
     pioneer of the early days of the county. Robert McLean settled were the village of Aiken is located, in 
     1818, also his son-in-law James Aiken, settled at the same time about two miles west of the village.
     James Aiken, Sr., settled on Knob Hill in Eastern Township at an earlier date. The Summers, and 
     Sullivans came to Franklin County about the time the Aiken and McLeans came.  Rev. John Launis and 
     Dillons have lived in Eastern all the years of the county's history.
	 
          The first school house established in the county was in what is now known as the Brush Prairie 
     School District.
	 
          The first Methodist church established in the county was at Mt. Etna in 1822. Rev. John Launis, 
     Edward Sullivan and some of the Summers were the charter members of this church.
	 
          The following families had been prominent in the development of the township: Shirleys, Smith, 
     Moss, Johnson, Bailey, Miller, Jones, Manion, Buntin, Crain, Otterson, Allen, Puckett, Chaplain, 
     Collins, Hatchett, Creemens, Conover, Melton, Waller, Frailey, Jackson, Duckworth, Rouintue, Varnier, 
     Harris, Milton, Randolph, Hays, William, Lee, Gaither, Brady and others.
	 
          The village of Aiken was started about 1875 when Aiken McLean had some of his land laid out into 
     lots and named the town Aiken. The village had grown some, and at the present is quite a commercial 
     point. The town has a bank and several business firms. Chas. Crisp is the leading merchant.
	 
          The township has the following schools: Bethel, Aiken, Manion, Brush Prairie, WIllow Branch, Knob 
     Prairie, Ridge, Center and Town of Aiken.
	 
          The churches are as follows: Baptist - Aiken; Latter Day Saints - Johnson Grove, Carter's Chapel.
		  
          Politically, Eastern Township is Republican. The present supervisor is Wm. H. Crawford.
		  
          The township has no railroad or coal mines. he coal has been sold, with the exception of the 
     south row of sections.
	 
          Knob Prairie is near the center of the township. It took its name from the knob in the eastern 
     part of the prairie.
	 
          The most remarkable event in the history of the townshipwas the enlistment of Co. F., 40th 
     Illinois Inf. his company was largely made up around Aiken and vicinity. Aiken McLean encouraged the 
     organization of the company. A dinner was given at his home Aug. 3, 1861, and the company left for 
     action the same day.
	 
          Dr. John McLean, a noted physican of Chicago, is a son of Aiken McLean. Dr. McLean had a leg shot 
     off by a cannon ball at the battle of Shiloh. Captain Shirley and Captain Ing were from this locality.


[(1918) Franklin County History Centennial Edition by H.M. AIKEN]